On a ship, it’s always possible that accidents could happen. You’re exposed to the elements, heavy equipment, slick areas and other hazards that could open you up to the risk of injury.
Your employer’s responsibility is to make sure that everyone working in the crew is trained well enough to be there and to work successfully onboard. No one wants to see someone get hurt, so training is usually enough to teach responsible handling of the tasks onboard.
What can you do if you’re hurt because a crew member didn’t get the right training?
When one of your shipmates causes an accident due to poor training, then you may have a right to make a claim against your employer for negligence under the Jones Act. Failing to adequately train, hire or staff a vessel are all signs of negligence that should be avoided at all costs.
The Jones Act helps you seek fair compensation
With the Jones Act, you have the potential to seek full damages for the negligence of your vessel’s owner. You may be able to show that:
- The employee missed important safety meetings
- The employee did not have the training that they said they did
- The employee failed safety testing or other procedures needed to work safely on board
Seeking compensation for your losses under the Jones Act can be complicated. Most people are unaware of the benefits they are actually due, and unfair denials of very valid claims can happen. It’s often best to work with an experienced advocate who understands maritime law and injuries. That way, you can rest assured that your rights are protected.